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PHILADELPHIA - If the Senators are going to take a leap forward, they'd better learn to put the puck in the net on a breakaway - in particular, during a shootout.

After dropping to 0-3 in shootouts this season in a 2-1 loss to Anaheim Tuesday, the Senators have the NHL's fewest number of shootout wins since the skills contest was instituted in 2005-06. While it hasn't hurt the Philadelphia Flyers, who have just 17 shootout wins in 41 attempts, it is setting the Senators back.

"For whatever reason, we don't win in a shootout," said centre Chris Kelly, who has never had a shootout attempt here. "The guys are more than capable of scoring. (Mike) Fisher hit the post (against the Ducks). It's a bit disheartening. It's an opportunity for a guy to be great and I think that's the way you have to look at it. They're not letting us down."

Kelly was surprised at the team's shootout ineptitude.

"That's a stat I didn't know and we don't want," said Kelly.

So, what's the deal?

Coach Cory Clouston was so desperate to find an answer he used defenceman Erik Karlsson as the third shooter against Anaheim. The Senators haven't even scored a goal in eight attempts this season.

Should the Senators practise breakaways more?

Clouston said the players often have shootout games at the end of practice to have fun and place a few bets. They have charted who does well in the shootout drills, but it doesn't normally translate into game success.

"Practise is only a small part," said Clouston. "It's no different than golf. You can sink a five-footer, but if you put it in front of cameras and 15,000 people, he might make that one out of 10 times.

"Just because you can score in practice, it's a completely different thing with 20,000 fans watching you and the game's on the line. To me that's all about pressure, and poise and confidence."

It doesn't help that forwards Alex Kovalev (knee) and Jason Spezza (shoulder) are sidelined because they're two of the club's more successful shooters.

"I had it all figured out before I went down there and I just missed the shot a bit," said Karlsson. "I've taken a lot of penalty shots. Over (in Europe), you can choose anyone if it's a penalty shot. I like it.

"I obviously have to score. Hopefully, I'll be able to do that the next time I get a chance."

It's surprising Clouston didn't turn to winger Jarkko Ruutu, who's been the doghouse most of the season, but is 5-for-11 in shootout attempts.

"I enjoy the situation. You're going in, you have one chance to score and if you're confident you can score," said Ruutu. "If you're a little hesitant, it usually goes the other way. Some goalies are better than others. It's something you've got to practixe like anything else. It's valuable points. A lot of teams have made the playoffs the last few years getting the extra points. I think it's underrated, but it's important."